Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (5/25/19)

It’s Lethal VS The K I N G King! (King…!)

Published

6 years ago

May 31, 2019

Steven Mitchell

ROH Wrestling Television, Episode 401

Episode 400 is in the books, here’s to 400 more! Will Kenny King finally show that he’s better than Jay Lethal and become the new Franchise Player in ROH?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Flip Gordon VS Karl Fredericks; Gordon wins.
Best of Three Series, Match One: Kenny King VS Jay Lethal; King wins and leads the series 1-0.

PLAY BY PLAY

Flip Gordon VS Karl Fredericks!

ROH and NJPW continue their relationship as one on NJPW’s Young Lion from the LA dojo looks to show us what he’s got. But Captain Flip is surely sore over being screwed out of the ROH World Championship in the historic episode 400. Will Flip snap back from that defeat to head back towards the top?

The Code of Honor is upheld and the bell rings. Flip circles with Fredericks and the two tie up. Fredericks powers Flip tot he mat and gets an arm. Flip holds on with a monkey grip and slips out. Flip makes it a cover, TWO, and the two stand off. Fans cheer as they circle and tie up again. Flip headlocks and gets the takeover, but Fredericks headscissors. Flip pops out and rolls reverse. Fredericks has the takeover but Flip rolls him back. ONE, and Fredericks holds onto the hold. Flip powers out but Fredericks runs him over, only for Flip to kip back up! Flip nods in respect, but Fredericks gives him a little push. Fredericks runs but Flip runs him over!

Flip runs and Fredericks drops, but Flip handstands and comes back to headscissor Frederick out. Flip kips up again and builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit sends Fredericks into barriers! Fans fire up for Flip while we go to break.

ROH returns Flip goes Matrix to mule kick and PELE Fredericks down! Flip springboards but into a SPINEBUSTER! Fredericks gets mad and starts stomping Flip. Flip gets to a corner but Fredericks stomps him more. Fredericks stands Flip up to CHOP! He CHOPS Flip off his feet and covers, ONE! Fredericks keeps Flip down with knees then scoop slams him. He stomps Flip more then covers, ONE! Fredericks grows frustrated and CHOPS Flip more. Flip CHOPS back and they start CHOPPING away on each other. Flip forearms Fredericks now, but Fredericks shoves and dropkicks Flip down!

Fans rally up as Fredericks runs in corner to corner for a big splash! And a hip toss to elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Flip lives and Fredericks grows further frustrated. Fredericks lifts Flip but gets a jawbreaker. Flip runs in but is put on the apron. Flip shoulders back in and slides under to sunset flip. He skins the cat to swing kick Fredericks, then springboards for a missile dropkick! Fredericks flops to a corner, and Flip lets his hair down. Flip goes corner to corner but blocks boots. He turns Fredericks sideways on the ropes, then goes out to slingshot blockbuster! Fans fire up as Fredericks flounders to his feet for a SUPERKICK! Fredericks staggers into the wheelbarrow facebuster! Flip keeps Frederick’s leg hooked for an STF! Fredericks taps, Flip wins!

Winner: Flip Gordon, by submission

Fredericks does indeed STF, Submit To Flip! Flip’s arsenal grows, will it be what he needs to finally get that world title? Flip offers the handshake, and Fredericks takes it. They honor the Code of Honor, but Fredericks promises to be back again.

ROH looks back to War of the Worlds Toronto!

In his home country, PCO challenged Matt Taven for the ROH World Championship! PCO proved time and again to be inhuman, but Taven proved himself worthy of that title with the fight he gave PCO. But The Kingdom of course supported their leader, and a purple railroad spike was used in an attempt to put the last nail in PCO’s coffin! The champion retained his title because he’s Matt Taven, but how long can he run away from his challengers?

As for the ROH World Television Championship, NJPW’s Hirooki Goto joined the Notorious Hitman, Shane Taylor, and Villain Enterprises’ Brody King in challenging the Hawaiian Juggernaut, Jeff Cobb in a Fatal 4 Way! And while Brody took a Tour of the Islands, he also got Greetings from the 216! Shane Taylor made sure to get Cobb out of the picture to take the title! Cobb had to admit defeat, but will he be back for the Hitman’s head?

ROH looks back at the G1 Supercard Honor Rumble!

Kenny King CHOSE to be number one in this massive match, that featured huge stars across ROH and NJPW, such as Minoru Suzuki, Jushin Thunder Liger and even THE GREAT MUTA! It looked to be down to just the two masked legends, Muta and Liger, but Kenny wasn’t actually eliminated! He threw both legends out in one fell sweep and won his shot at the ROH World Championship, but he would get some karma in the way of Muta’s mist!

After that, Kenny King would return to ROH, though “blinded,” and still bragging about how he told us all he’d “molly whop all them other chumps” to be the first man to win the Honor Rumble from number one. He needed emergency ocular surgery, but promised Jay Lethal that both eyes would be on him. However, he obviously never needed surgery, and he proved that on Episode 400 when he blindsided Jay Lethal on stage! With these two finally having it out tonight, can the K I N G make The Franchise #BendTheKnee?

Jeff Cobb is here!

As we saw, The Hawaiian Juggernaut is no longer ROH World Television Champion, only because Shane Taylor took advantage of his hard work on Brody King. Cobb was still a good sport about it at the time, but now he has a mic to speak.

“The last couple of weeks haven’t been good for good ol’ Jeff Cobb here.” Cobb lost his ROH World TV Championship. Cobb points out Shane Taylor did not pin nor submit Cobb. No one in ROH has been able to do that! So Cobb tells Taylor that he’s probably shaking in his little boots and wetsuit, but sleep easy for one more night knowing that Cobb isn’t here for a rematch. Cobb wants the man bragging about being the best world champion in ROH! Yes, Cobb wants Matt Taven! More importantly, Cobb wants what Taven has, aka the ROH World Champoinship! Speak of the devil, Matt Taven appears! Taven holds the world title up high, and also has a mic in the other hand.

“Oh, Jeff, relax. Relax a little bit, alright?” Taven likes Cobb, he’s like an “adorable Hawaiian Buddha.” Cobb’s here in ROH and has been very impressive. But Taven IS the greatest ROH World Champion in history. In the short time he’s had the title, he beat Flip Gordon, Mark Haskins and even PCO. So what makes Cobb think Taven is worried, when Cobb couldn’t even keep the title he had? Taven walks down to the ring and says he fears no man. Because he is Matt Taven. Taven has no problem defending the title against Cobb anytime, anywhere, even here in Chicago. Chicago deserves this match, right?

Taven goes to the ring, but then says there’s one thing. It’s just not tonight. “Take care of the mic, will ya, Melvin?” He throws the mic at Cobb but it bounces off him. Taven is the cockiest he’s ever been, but will he be the most regretful he’s ever been when Cobb finally gets in the ring with him?

Kenny King speaks.

“Hello? Who’s there? Where am I?” Just kidding! Kenny can see clearly now the rain is gone. He was blind but now he sees. Muta misted and blinded Kenny, and Kenny used that to take advantage of Jay Lethal. Kenny knows everything about Lethal, and knows what Lethal will do before Lethal does it. So does Kenny doesn’t really care about a Best of Three Series! He knows all! Bring out the broom, this is gonna be a sweep! King says he’s not just a step ahead, he’s “already around the damn block.”

Jay Lethal responds.

“Kenny King, I get it.” The best of three series is the need and want to be in the ring with the best of the best. It is about elevating and proving yourself to the world! Lethal also knows that King always has an angle, and he’s ready for it. The first match in this best of three will end the same as the rest: Lethal leaves the winner, and King is just leaving the ring.

ROH State of the Art is on the horizon!

June 1st and 2nd will see a huge event, culminating in a Defy or Deny match! Matt Taven defeated Mark Haskins, PCO and Flip Gordon separately, but now he’ll have to deal with them all at once! If Taven manages to win, the man he eliminates last can NEVER challenge Taven again! But if not, the man that survives to the end is guaranteed a future title shot! Can Taven come away clean? Or will one man earn himself a rematch with the champion?

ROH shares highlights from War of the Worlds’ ROH World Tag Team Championship match!

The Guerrillas of Destiny became dual tag team champions back at G1 Supercard in a furious Fatal 4 Way involving Villain Enterprises, Los Ingobernables de Japon’s Evil & Sanada, and The Briscoes. But neither GoD or #DemBoyz were satisfied, so they went 2v2 in Toronto!

Despite how bitter they felt about winning them, Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa were not going to give up the ROH tag titles without a fight, and a fight they got! The two teams went back and forth and move for move. GoD used trickery and straight-up cheating to retain, keeping the titles with a NJPW team! What does this mean for the ROH Tag Team Division?!

Silas Young is here!

The Last Real Man leads the way and has a mic. “Now obviously you all know who the Last Real Man in Pro-Wrestling is, but I’m sure you’re asking yourself, ‘Who’s this gangly, ugly young fella standing next to me?'” Silas explains that this skinny boy is Baxter Bellafonte. Baxter is a young Milwaukee “green horn” but don’t worry, Chicago, this is no match. No, this is a little different. This will be a seminar of sorts. Some catch-as-catch-can wrestling. Bobby Cruz, please join them in the ring. Fans cheer for Bobby as he follows Silas and Baxter into the ring.

Silas says that part of the wrestling process is learning what it’s like to have certain holds put on. Silas has Bobby hold his mic as he explains the wristlock. He puts Baxter in the lock and applies pressure. Baxter clearly feels the pain as Silas shifts up to more of an armlock, and applies more pressure. Baxter will one day learn how to reverse such a lock, but he should know the opponent might grab his hair, which Silas does. Grabbing hair is frowned upon by referees. Another thing frowned upon is a fish hook. Silas hooks Baxter’s mouth, and holds on until 4, which is technically legal because it is in the referee’s purview to make a judgement call.

Another thing frowned upon is a poke to the eyes, which Silas also demonstrates on Baxter. A thumb into the eyes for a count of more than 5 is definitely a disqualification. Now Baxter, you did great, this is just part of the learning experience. But Silas wants Baxter to know that something you should never, ever, EVER do is the “low blow.” Relax, Baxter, Silas knows we all know what that is. We don’t need a demonstration. But Silas still gives it! You gotta learn what it’s like, after all. The “Technician of Honor” thanks the fans for letting Silas explain the “pure” rules of wrestling. Silas strikes a proper wrestling pose, but it’s all tongue in cheek given how he’s cheated Jonathan Gresham to win in their recent matches. Will the Octopus come back to shut Young up?

Best of Three Series, Match One: Kenny King VS Jay Lethal!

This isn’t just a grudge match, but a match to prove who is worthy of being the face of ROH! And it won’t just be once, it could be up to three times! Who takes the lead in this series of ROH’s brightest stars?

Kenny wants the Code of Honor, and Lethal reluctantly takes it. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up and Kenny gets a waistlock. Lethal slips out to a wristlock but Kenny kicks Lethal down. Both men get up fast and fans cheer the stand-off. The two circle and tie up again. Kenny headlocks but Lethal powers out, and things speed up. Kenny blocks the hip toss for a fireman’s carry takedown, then rolls to a bridge, ONE! Fans cheer as both men back off again. Lethal and Kenny circle again and Kenny welcomes fans cheering for Lethal. They tie up again, and Lethal wristlocks. Kenny hooks the ropes for the ropebreak and Lethal lets him go. Fans boo as Kenny takes his time returning, so we go to break.

ROH returns again and Kenny finally returns at the count of 8. Lethal and Kenny circle again and they tie up. Kenny gets the single leg takedown then rolls Lethal to a headlock. Lethal powers out but Kenny runs him over! Kenny speeds things up but Lethal hip tosses and cartwheels, but Kenny trips him up! Kenny drags Lethal into a LaBell Lock! But Lethal flails and gets to a ropebreak! Kenny lets Lethal go but Kenny shows he really does know Lethal’s moves. Fans still cheer Lethal on as Lethal catches his breath. Lethal and Kenny circle but Kenny kicks low. Kenny throws haymakers and bumps Lethal off buckles hard! He stands Lethal up for a CHOP! Lethal turns it around but Kenny ducks the chop to give a CHOP! Lethal tries again, but Kenny again dodges!

Kenny CHOPS so Lethal punches, and the two brawl. Kenny whips but Lethal reverses, but then Kenny reverses back. Lethal holds ropes and puts Kenny on the apron. Lethal springboards but Kenny ducks the triangle dropkick! Again, Kenny knows all the signatures! And he even copies the pose. But Kenny’s arrogance costs him! Lethal dropkicks Kenny down, then takes aim. Lethal builds speed, and DIVES, but into Kenny’s arms! Kenny rams Lethal into a post! “That’s right! I’m the K I N G!” Lethal writhes as Kenny brings him up to throw him into barriers! The ring count climbs but Kenny looms over Lethal. Kenny rams Lethal into the apron then refreshes the count. Kenny stomps Lethal and follows him around the corner. He puts Lethal in the ring, then covers, TWO!

Kenny keeps his cool as he keeps on Lethal with a knee to the back. Kenny puts Lethal in a chinlock, and fans rally up. Lethal endures as Kenny pulls back on his arms. Lethal powers up to his feet but Kenny kicks low. Kenny clubs Lethal then runs, but into a hip toss! Kenny still knows the dropkick is coming, so he scoots back. Lethal has to step forward, and he gets caught into a takedown! Kenny floats to a King Camel Clutch! Lethal endures and works out of the hold. Kenny just sits deeper! But Lethal crawls and gets the ropebreak! Fans cheer but Kenny holds on until 4. Kenny mocks if the fans can see him clearly. Lethal crawls away but Kenny goes after him with a chop. Cover, TWO! Kenny grows frustrated with Lethal while we go to one last break.

ROH returns once more, and Kenny drags Lethal up. Lethal CHOPS back but then Kenny pulls the ol’ “Look over there!” trick to poke Lethal in the eyes! The referee reprimands Kenny, he knew what happened! Lethal staggers into Kenny’s whip to the corner. Kenny goes corner to corner but misses the big forearm smash! Lethal throws haymakers and CHOPS, then whips. Kenny holds ropes so Lethal CHOPS again. Lethal whips but Kenny holds ropes on the other side. Kenny tosses Lethal out, then steals the triangle dropkick! Lethal goes down and Kenny says he’s gonna steal another move. Fans boo as Kenny builds speed, only to fake everyone out.

Kenny struts after Lethal but won’t let him get back in the ring. So Lethal kicks and DDT’s Kenny to the floor! Both men are down and a ring count begins. The count reaches 5 of 20 before Lethal sits up. Kenny slowly follows but neither really gets up before 8. The count hits 9, both men finally stand. Lethal and Kenny crawl into the ring at 11 and head right for each other. Kenny JABS but Lethal haymakers back. They go back and forth and fast and furious! Lethal CHOPS and punches Kenny more, then whips. Hip toss and dropkick finally hits! Kenny gets to the apron, but Lethal finally hits the triangle dropkick! And Lethal DIVES to finally hit Kenny down! Fans fire up as Lethal puts Kenny back in the ring.

Lethal climbs up top and fans fire up even more. Lethal aims and leaps, Hail to the King! Cover, TWO!! Kenny survives and Lethal grits his teeth. Kenny crawls but Lethal drags him back from the ropes. Lethal spins Kenny and ducks the Dragon Whip, then handsprings! But Kenny trips him up to reel him in for a backbreaker. But he’s not stealing the Lethal Combination, the second half is a Blue Thunder Bomb! Cover, TWO!? Lethal narrowly escapes and Kenny can’t believe it! But fans are loving “ROH! ROH!” for giving them this action. Kenny shakes his head, and drags Lethal back up. Kenny demands Lethal stand, but Lethal fights back with body shots. Lethal throws haymakers but Kenny knees low.

Kenny fireman’s carries to spin, but Lethal lands on his feet! Lethal boots and enziguris Kenny down! Fans fire up and Lethal builds speed for the handspring! But Kenny catches him in a waistlock! Lethal standing switches but so does Kenny. Lethal elbows out and handsprings, again, but Kenny dodges. Kenny misses but lets Lethal’s handspring slide off his back. Lethal swings but Kenny dodges and Lethal almost hits the ref! LOW BLOW! Kenny shows his new move, is the stolen Lethal Injection!! Cover, Kenny wins!!

Winner: Kenny King, by pinfall; leads the series 1-0

The new move is just a knockoff! The K I N G brags that he beat the hero of ROH, but he’s far from the winner yet! Will Lethal be able to snap back in the second match? Or is the sweep happening on Kenny’s journey to the world title?

My Thoughts:

A pretty good episode for ROH here. Obviously a lot of recap for War of the Worlds so the television audience can get caught up, though obviously the internet is good for that, too. It was a lot of filler but at least the two matches we got were really good. Flip VS Fredericks the Young Lion was good, Fredericks definitely has promise and it’d be interesting to see where this guy goes. Flip has that Defy or Deny match coming up, but I’m not sure he, Haskins or PCO will win another title shot through it. Taven has been using the Kingdom to survive, I’m thinking they’ll do something at State of the Art to help Taven again.

But that’s okay, because Jeff Cobb is moving on up! The Hawaiian Juggernaut becoming the top guy in ROH would be great, mostly for ROH. This also frees up Shane Taylor to take on any number of Faces wanting that World Television Championship, which can also spark something for ROH. LifeBlood needs to start going for gold, so one of their guys going after Taylor might be a good move. Bandido had a great match and a great victory over Taylor, maybe Bandido can do it again for the gold. Meanwhile, ROH needs to figure out their tag team division. Just who is going to take those titles off of Guerrillas of Destiny when Guerrillas of Destiny are just that good?

Silas Young is clearly a top Heel in ROH. I knew almost immediately he was just going to torture poor Baxter. Really hoping to see Gresham come back and finally beat Silas in a match. Then to get a Best of Three Series of Lethal VS King, that sounds amazing! This first match was incredible, the story was brilliant with Kenny just knowing everything about Lethal’s moveset. It was even brilliant for Kenny to still need to cheat because Lethal’s that good. I would think Lethal wins the second one, with a callback to this one, such as Lethal stealing Kenny’s Royal Flush.

My Score: 8.3/10

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Coverage

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GO! ACE! GO! ACE!

Published

7 hours ago

January 30, 2025

Steven Mitchell

Tanahashi’s Final Road to New Beginning!

Evil couldn’t end President Ace, but will The House of Torture still take the NEVER Openweight Six Man Championships from him?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Kickoff – Masatora Yasuda VS Daiki Nagai; Time Limit Draw.
YOSHI-HASHI & Katsuya Murashima VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson; Oiwa & Jackson win.
8 Man Tag: El Phantasmo, Jado, Shota Umino & Togi Makabe VS The United Empire; ELP, Jado, Shota & Makabe win.
Taichi & Taka Michinoku VS SANADA & Taiji Ishimori; Sanada & Taiji win.
Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Naito & Hiromu win.
Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; War Dogs win.
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins and become the new NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions.
Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & YOH VS TMDK; TMDK wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture!

Evil tried to make WrestleKingdom 19 the last time we saw President Ace in this ring but he failed! However, his minions will not stop in trying to ruin the rest of Tanahashi’s last year. Will Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Sho take these titles back to the House? Or will The Ace, Joker & Rook stand tall?

The House walks out here showing off the belts they literally stole back at New Year Dash, but now the tables have turned! Tanahashi and team attack The House from behind! The fans cheer as The House finally tastes their own medicine! Tanahashi snatches back the belts so that he, Yano & Oleg can stand with them in the ring. The House protests but they’re one to talk. The introductions are skipped, the bell rings, and the brawl is back on as Tanahashi’s team goes back out after The House! Yano whips Sho, but Sho reverses to send Yano into railing! Sho stomps away on Yano, then helps Ren mug Oleg!

Yujiro turns things around on Tanahashi, and then he brings Tanahashi out to No Man’s Land! Sho bends Oleg’s fingers, puts his hand through the railing and pulls! The fans rally for Tanahashi’s team while the ref reprimands The House. Yujiro puts Tanahashi in, then he, Sho & Ren all stomp away! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but The House all put one out on Tanahashi. Yujiro stands Tanahashi up, then he and Sho double whip Tanahashi corner to corner. Yujiro runs in but Tanahashi dodges! Tanahashi then dropkicks Sho’s leg, then he dropkicks Narita’s leg! The fans fire up and Tanahashi runs at Yujiro.

Yujiro dodges, but Tanahashi ELBOWS him away! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up again as Tanahashi air guitars. Tag to Yano and he TOSSES Yujiro out! Yano then brings Yujiro out into No Man’s Land, then to the back of the crowd to THROW into some open chairs! The fans cheer as Yano brings out that Great Bash Heel side, but the ref reprimands Yano. Yano tells the ref to leave him alone, and he has a chair! The ref stops Yano from hitting Yujiro! Yano argues with the ref, but now Sho & Ren mug Yano! The ref reprimands them but the mugging continues. Ren leads the ref away so Sho & Yujiro can CHOKE Yano with a chair!

The fans boo while The House also beats up Oleg & Tanahashi. Yujiro drags Yano up and then brings him back to ringside to POST him! Ren brings Oleg around with a headlock and sends him into railing! Then more railing! Then into the crowd! Yujiro uses Yano’s red chair to CHOKE him! The ring count finally starts, but Ren JAMS Oleg up with a chair! The count reaches 10 of 20 and The House returns to the ring. Yano is still down at 15! The fans rally, Yano rises up at 17, and he lurches in at 19! The fans cheer but Yujiro is annoyed. Yujiro drops a leg, then an elbow, then a HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!

The fans cheer as Yano stays in this, but Ren sends Tanahashi into railing! Yujiro tags Sho, Sho CHOKES Yano with a boot to the neck! The ref counts, Sho stops, then Sho TOSSES Yano out! Sho keeps the ref distracted while Ren JAMS Yano up with a chair! Ren pushes Yano in, Sho covers, TWO! Yano survives and Sho is frustrated. Tag to Ren, he drags Yano up, and Ren whips Yano to ELBOW him down! Cover, TWO! Ren BLASTS Tanahashi off the apron! Ren grins as the ref now keeps Oleg back. Ren CHOKES Yano on the ropes, Sho joins in to CLAW Yano’s eyes, but then the ref counts. Ren lets off and Yano flops down.

Ren drags Yano up, but Yano pulls hair! Ren breaks free, knees low, then runs up. Yano dodges, clinches, and BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! The fans fire up, Yano hot tags Oleg! Oleg jumps in and CLOBBERS Ren! Oleg then deadlifts Ren, but Sho attacks! The fans boo, Sho runs, SPEAR bounces off of Oleg! Oleg then deadlifts Sho! Shake, Shake, Shake! But Yujiro CLUBS Oleg! Yujiro & Ren double whip, but Oleg DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLES! The fans fire up and Oleg runs at the corner to SPLASH Ren! Then he scoops and TOSSES Ren! The fans fire up as Oleg then runs to SPLASH! Cover, TWO!

Ren survives but Oleg deadlifts Ren right to the fireman’s carry! Ren fights free, CHOKES Oleg, but Oleg breaks free! Oleg winds up but Ren ducks the chop! Ren CHOKES Oleg, the ref counts, but Oleg CHOKES Ren! The fans cheer, and then Oleg TOSSES Ren to the corner! Tag to Tanahashi and the fans fire up! Oleg and Tanahashi haul Ren up, double whip him corner to corner, then Tanahashi sends Oleg in! Oleg ELBOWS Ren, then Tanahashi SPLASHES! Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Ren into the drop zone! Oleg goes up, up and VADER BOMBS! Tanahashi goes up to SUNSET SENTON! Cover, Yujiro breaks it!

Oleg CLOBBERS Yujiro for that, then goes out after him. The fans fire up as Tanahashi powers up. Tanahashi runs, but Sho gets a cheap shot in! Ren BOOTS Tanahashi, tags Sho, and Sho BLASTS Yano! Yujiro turns things around on Oleg and now The House double whips President Ace! Sho runs in to forearm SMASH! Yuijro BOOTS! Ren ELBOWS Tanahashi! Ren & Sho snapmare Tanahashi, then hold the legs open! Yujiro shoves the ref aside, then FALLING HEADBUTTS Tanahashi down low! The fans boo but now Sho covers, TWO!! Tanahashi survives and Sho argues with the ref! The fans rally for Tanahashi, but Ren has his repaired pushup bar!

Ren takes aim, Tanahashi dodges, SHOTEI! Sho kicks, Tanahashi blocks to DRAGON SCREW! Yujiro runs up, but gets caught into a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up as Tanahashi crawls for his corner! Hot tag to Yano! Yano unties a buckle pad! The fans cheer, Yano whips, but Sho reverses! Yano stops from hitting the buckles, then he dodges Sho to send him into bare buckles! Yano rolls Sho up, TWO!! Sho escapes but Yano hurries to get Sho’s legs! Oleg hops in, CATAPULT into Oleg’s BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up as Yano then stands Sho up, ONIGO- NO, Sho fights free! Sho dodges, but the ref stops him from hitting a low blow!

The ref and Sho argue, but Yujiro & Ren mug Yano! They double whip Yano, but Yano grabs ropes. Yano then sends Ren into Yujiro to DOUBLE LOW BLOW them! Atomic drop for Sho! Tanahashi runs up, SLINGBLADE! Oleg deadlifts Sho right into a fireman’s carry and DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! But YOSHINOBU KANEMARU is here! The Heel Master gets on the apron, but Young Lions already apprehend him! Yano hauls Sho up, for ONIGOROSHI!! Cover, KANEMARU TOSSES THE YOUNG LION ONTO THE REF! The fans boo but Kanemaru attacks Yano! But then Yano hits him with an atomic drop!

Kanemaru WHISKEY MISTS!? Sho LOW BLOWS Yano!! Sho rolls Yano up, HOUSE OF TORTURE WINS!!

Winners: The House of Torture, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)

What a travesty! A miscarriage of justice! Evil isn’t even here, but his army of darkness just won the gold! Yano is upset, Tanahashi is disappointed, but Oleg is mad! Oleg storms back in, only for Yujiro to BELT SHOT him down! Yujiro then kicks Oleg out, and shows he’s pretty sore from the low blow. Will these belts help the House feel much, much better?

Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & YOH VS TMDK!

The Fierce Warrior won the New Japan Ranbo to earn his shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, so that means he and Zack Sabre Jr. will do battle for the New Beginning! Will the Rogue Luchador & Direct Drive help Goto gain the upper hand? Or will Kosei Fujita & Robbie Eagles help The Mighty Front Man prepare for war?

The teams sort out while all of TMDK’s title belts are put aside. The Japanese Young Punk steps to Despy, so Despy accepts. The fans cheer and the bell rings. Despy and Fujita stare down while the fans rally. Despy has the majority, and the two circle. They feel things out, Despy facelocks but Fujita slips around to waistlock. Despy slips out, moves around, but Fujita stays on him. They go around, break, and the fans cheer. They tie up, Despy wrenches to hammerlock, but Fujita elbows free to hammerlock back. Despy switches, Fujita switches, repeat! They go hammerlock for hammerlock, but then Despy top wristlocks to wrangle FUjita!

The fans cheer, Fujita fights up, but Despy shifts to a cording hold. Fujtia whips but Despy reverses and arm-drags! Fujita comes back, he avoids the arm-drag, and then he CHOPS! Despy is stinging, but Fujita CHOPS him again! And CHOPS him again! The fans cheer, Fujita CHOPS again, but now Despy CHOPS! Fujita CHOPS, Despy ends up in the Mighty corner, and Eagles tags in. Eagles CHOPS, but then Despy CHOPS! Eagles shoves Despy and says he’s bored. He wants Yoh! The fans rally for Yoh, so Despy tags him in. The fans cheer as Yoh and Eagles circle. Wait, Yoh starts up the “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!”

Eagles is rather amused, and says not bad. Eagles starts it up for himself, but Yoh sneaks up! Eagles stops the schoolboy and sits on the cover, TWO and Yoh has the sunset flip! TWO, both men stand and point at the other! The fans applaud, then Yoh kicks low. Yoh whips, Eagles reverses to go up and around to arm-drag! Eagles runs in, Yoh sidesteps but Eagles hurdles. Eagles RANAS then WHEEL KICKS! Eagles kips up and the fans cheer. Eagles puts Yoh in a corner, and he says “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” CHOP CHOP CHOP! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” CHOP CHOP CHOP! “ROBBIE!” CHOP! “ROBBIE!” CHOP! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” CHOP CHOP CHOP!

The fans cheer while Yoh flounders around. Eagles whips, Goto sneaks a tag, then Goto & Yoh DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE Eagles! They BLAST ZSJ and Fujita, then call to Despy! Despy says no thanks, they can go ahead. “Se~ no!” DRUM BEAT on Eagles’ back! Goto asks if Despy is sure he doesn’t want in, and Despy says it’s fine. Goto CLUBS Eagles, but Eagles fires body shots! Eagles fires a forearm, but Goto knees low! Goto fireman’s carries, but Eagles fights free. Eagles waistlocks, Goto elbows free and runs, only for ZSJ to trip him up! Eagles BLASTS Yoh & Despy off the apron while Fujita basement dropkicks Goto!

ZSJ spins Goto around to be on the apron, then gives him a NECK TWIST! The fans cheer and ZSJ brings Goto out to UPPERCUT him down! ZSJ brings Goto up to UPPERCUT again, then UPPERCUTS him again! Goto stumbles and falls, Eagles CHOPS Yoh, and Fujita CHOPS Despy! ZSJ brings Goto up and wrenches his arm, then wrenches it again. But Goto fires forearms in return! ZSJ UPPERCUTS Goto again, the CHOPS continue by the ramp side, and ZSJ puts Goto in. Eagles tags ZSJ in whiel Fujita and Despy CHOP each other back and forth. ZSJ clamps on a headscissors and he squeezes tight!

Goto endures, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go cleanly and brings Goto to the corner. Tag to Fujita and he stomps Goto. Fujita drags Goto up while fans rally, and Fujita wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Fujtia wrenches again, ELBOW BREAKER! And again, ELBOW BREAKER! Fujita wrenches, top wristlocks, and he wrangles Goto to the mat. Fujita STOMPS that arm, then he tags Eagles. The Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions get Goto’s arms while ZSJ steps in to have a leg! Goto endures as TMDK cycles through the armlocks and leglocks! Red Shoes counts but TMDK keeps rotating before he reaches 4!

Then TMDK returns where they started, and Goto endures the DOUBLE STRAIGHT ARMBARS and INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Red Shoes counts, all three men let go at 4! ZSJ stands, he still has the deathlock, and he bridges back! Goto endures, keeps his shoulders up, but ZSJ stands to tag in Eagles. Eagles drags Goto around, then hits a KNEE JAMMER! Tag to Fujita, they drag Goto up, and they double whip him to ropes. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down, ZSJ hops in for a NECK TWIST! Goto sits up into a DOUBLE PENALTY KICK! Cover, Despy breaks it! The fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands.

Despy stands down, but Fujita BLASTS him off the apron! Fujita drags Goto up, wrenches, and whips him to a corner. Fujita runs up to CHOP, then he snapmares to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Fujita coordinates with TMDK. Fujita drags Goto up, and he wants to do the Chaos drum thing? ZSJ isn’t so sure but Eagles is for it. Eagles steps in, but Yoh runs up! Eagles kicks Yoh, and “Se~ no!” Eagles & Fujita DRUM on Yoh! The fans cheer and ZSJ acts like he doesn’t know what’s going on. The fans cheer for ZSJ to join in, but he puts up the X, that’s not for him. Eagles & Fujita DRUM away on Goto!

Goto stands up and grabs Fujita by the face! Eagles CLUBS Goto, he and Fujita double whip, but Goto DOUBLE LARIATS first! The fans fire up while they’re all down! ZSJ storms in and grabs Goto’s leg! ANKLE LOCK! Goto endures, fights around, and rolls through to throw ZSJ! ZSJ comes back to RAM Goto, then he runs, only for Goto to RUN him over! The fans fire up while both men are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Despy! Despy runs at the corner to ELBOW Fujita! Despy reels Fujita in for a suplex, high and hard! Cover, TWO! Despy fires up and the fans are with him! Fujita underhooks, PINCHE- NO, Fujita fights free!

Fujita swings but Despy blocks the chop! Despy knees low, whips, but Fujita reverses to GAMANGIRI! The fans cheer while both men are down! Fujita roars while he rises up, and he storms back to Despy. Fujita waistlocks, deadlifts Despy, but Despy fights the suplex with elbows! Despy is free, but Fujita runs up to slip around and backslide! Despy rolls through, Fujita KICKS him down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Fujita fires up again. Fujita drags Despy back up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Despy fights that. Despy wrenches, but Fujita ROCKS him! Despy ROCKS Fujita in return!

Fujita and Despy keep the wristlock while they fire forearm after forearm back and forth! The fans rally up as the shots go faster and faster, but then both men wobble! Fujita fires a forearm, then another! Despy ROCKS Fujita in return! Despy runs, Eagles slips in, SOBAT! Fujita UPPERCUTS! Eagles scoops Despy but Yoh makes the save! Eagles kicks Yoh, he and Fujita double whip, but Yoh reverses to crisscross them into each other! FALCON- NO, Eagles slips out, but Yoh switches! Yoh feeds Eagles to Despy’s ELBOW! Yoh reels Eagles back in, FALCON ARROW! The fans fire up but Fujita runs up!

Despy & Yoh double kick, double whip, but Fujita DOUBLE SHOTGUNS! Fujita kips up, the fans fire up, and Fujita whips Despy, but Despy reverses to SPINEBUSTER! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Fujita and Despy crawl for their corners, hot tags to Goto and ZSJ! The fans fire up as both men run in, Goto LARIATS ZSJ! Goto roars and the fans are with him! Goto fires a flurry of forearms, then whips corner to corner. Goto runs in, MURAMASA! Then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives and Goto fires up again! Goto fireman’s carries but ZSJ pulls on an arm! Goto powers out and ROCKS ZSJ!

Goto runs, ZSJ wrangles him to a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Eagles & Fujita BLAST Yoh & Despy off the arm! They have Yoh & Despy stuck on the outside with armlocks while ZSJ has the DISARMER! Yoh breaks free of Eagles and DROPKICKS ZSJ! Eagles returns to SUPERKICK Yoh! Despy is in, Eagles slips around and feeds him to Fujita’s MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up and TMDK drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms on Eagles & Fujita! They DOUBLE CHOP, then double wrench! MAX- NO, Goto fights free and kicks Fujita! Goto deflects Eagles’ kick to LARIAT! Fujita kicks Goto, runs, but Goto follows! LARIAT!

ZSJ RAMS Goto, whips, but Goto reverses! Fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! The fans fire up while ZSJ clutches his head. Goto hauls ZSJ up, dragon sleepers, but ZSJ drops down! Goto drops onto ZSJ for a cover, TWO!! ZSJ is up, Goto sends him into a corner! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP, into a GOTO SAN SHIKI!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ escapes, BOOTS Goto, then runs! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Goto roars, runs, but ZSJ KCIKS the lariat, PELES the other arm, then SWEEPS the legs! Goto falls, but then sits up, into a PENALTY KICK! The fans fire up and ZSJ hurries to drag Goto back up.

ZSJ scoops, ZACK- NO, Goto slips free and has the SLEEPER! Goto sits ZSJ and rolls him, GOTO NI SHIKI!! TWO!! ZSJ has the legs, JAPANESE LEG ROLL CLUTCH, with bridge!! TMDK WINS!!

Winners: TMDK, by pinfall

It was a fast and furious finish of technical holds, but who else but the best technical wrestler in the world would pull it out? Goto is frustrated for getting caught like that, but will he avenge himself in just 12 days?

As for TMDK, Eagles starts off by saying, “G’day, Sendai!” Eagles then pretends to check his watch, and asks, “Rocky doki desu ka? <Where is Rocky?> Zabishii. <How lonely.>” The fans chuckle at Eagles’ fake crying, and Eagles then tells Yoh & Rocky that next month in Osaka, see you then! The fans applaud, and then Eagles offers the mic to Fujita. The fans cheer Fujita on, and Fujita accepts. “That lariat turned me inside out, so I’ll keep this short! I’m beating El Desperado!” The fans cheer that, ready to see Fujita challenge Desperado for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on Tuesday, February 4th!

And lastly, that brings things to The Front Man. ZSJ takes the mic to say, “People of Sendai, thank you very much!” The fans cheer, but then ZSJ tells “Ko-kun” and “Robbie-chan” to “cut that drumming bit. It was lame.” The fans chuckle again, and ZSJ says 2025 isn’t the Year of the Snake. No, it’s all orange! ZSJ promises that TMDK won’t just paint NJPW orange, but the entire world! “Osaka will be here soon enough. Goto, this is your last chance. Let’s make the most of it.” The fans like the sound of that! ZSJ says they’ll end with this: This year revolves around TMDK! Arigato gozaimashita! The fans are ready, will the New Beginning in Osaka be Mighty?

My Thoughts:

A very good event for NJPW, though “Road to” always indicates more tune-up filler than thriller. Gabe Kidd going after Yota Tsuji and the Global Heavyweight Championship is an interesting development, but that is going to be a great match. The NEVER Openweight Six Man Championship match was really good stuff, and I was only a little surprised that The House of Torture won. Firstly, Tanahashi has to lose those titles at some time, so might as well pull off the Band-Aid now before The New Beginning events. Then this works with the story from Oleg and Josh Barnett where Barnett wants to help Oleg reach that singles title level.

And very good Six Man Tag main event to not only build Goto VS ZSJ but also Desperado VS Fujita. Great win for TMDK, but we have a lot of other Road to New Beginning events to build Goto VS ZSJ. A lot of filler 10 Man Tags are on the schedule, but I probably won’t be bothering with those. Despy VS Fujita will be great, but Fujita and Eagles are already the tag champions, so I don’t see Fujita winning. As for Goto VS ZSJ, ZSJ said it himself that this is very likely Goto’s last chance at ever being the top champion in NJPW, but I don’t see Goto winning. It’ll be an epic battle, but I feel like ZSJ is going to stay on top.

My Score: 8.7/10

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Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 1.30.25

Are we gonna get consecutive weeks of momentum or we gonna get the “LOL TNA” moment already?

Published

9 hours ago

January 30, 2025

Andrew Balaz

Coming off the first Live iMPACT! in 8 years, it has been pretty universally agreed upon that it was not a bad show. Good favor, a larger audience then they’ve had in years and TNA actually did fairly well establishing themselves as not a third rate duelist.

Let’s see if the good tidings continue or if things start to well…TNA.

The official liaison between @WWENXT and TNA, @AriannaGraceWWE, was rudely interrupted by Tessa Blanchard while speaking with @MeanGiaMiller!

Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/9IIhMDrtkn pic.twitter.com/8ImgauBAiO

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 31, 2025

Ratings:

Cora Jade vs Hyan: Cora wins via Jaded – ** 1/2
Brian Myers w/The System vs Leon Slater: Myers wins via Roster Cut – ** 3/4
Laredo Kid vs Mustafa Ali: Ali wins via 450 – ** 3/4
Eric Young & Josh Alexander vs Sinner & Saint: No Contest? EY Turned Heel – N/A
Ace Austin vs Wes Lee w/Tyson & Tyriek: Wes wins via Cardiac Kick – ***
Kaiba Boys (Nic & Ryan Nemeth) vs Fir$t Cla$$: Kaibas win via Danger Zone – ***

Results:

Nic Nemeth comes out to talk, doesn’t complain and says he’s just gonna dust himself off and start again. Ryan comes out to complain on behalf of “hiissss brrooother” and run down Hendry. Nic is playing babyface still and Ryan is instigating is typical little brother fashion. Nic tries to appease Ryan saying this could be a big year for both of them, so Fir$t Cla$$ music hits and KC Navarro cuts them off and hands off to AJ Francis. Ryan get mad at them interrupting, Nic tries to calm the situation but Ryan decides to agree to a tag match that Nic doesn’t seem like he wanted to go there. But Santino comes out and makes it official.

EXCLUSIVE: @XiaBrookside welcomed @WWENXT's @CoraJadeWWE to #TNAiMPACT, but things got HEATED fast!

Don't miss #TNAiMPACT TONIGHT at 8/7c on @AXSTV in the US, @Sportsnet 360 in Canada, and streaming worldwide on TNA+!

Get 1 month FREE of TNA+ with code: NXTNA pic.twitter.com/LP8ghA78Pv

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 30, 2025

Cora Jade vs Hyan

Hyan tries a Pump Kick, Cora catches it, lays her out and kicks her feet up in the corner getting cocky. Snapmare with the Hair, into a Springboard Single Stomp from Cora, Hyan is getting throttled along the ropes and putting up much of a fight to start. Hyan is usually just enhancement talent in TNA, even though she does have a solid pedigree in the indies and internationally. Hyan finally moves so Cora smashes herself into the corner, Wasteland from Hyan for a 1 count, Cora counters Hyan’s attempted offense and then hits Jaded for the win!

The match did what it needed to, Cora tried to lay in the boots further, Xia runs out to make a save but Cora baits her into a false sense of security and goes after Xia. So Masha comes out for the save on the person who made the save. Cora comes off looking pretty good and Masha scaring her off helps Masha’s aura.

.@MeanGiaMiller tries to get answers out of @WesLee_WWE, @TyriekIgwe_WWE and @_Tysonwwe_ for his attack on The Rascalz ahead of Lee's match with @The_Ace_Austin TONIGHT on iMPACT!

Watch #TNAiMPACT now on TNA+: https://t.co/9IIhMDrtkn

Get one month FREE with code: NXTNA pic.twitter.com/UIU5GgiylE

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 31, 2025

Brian Myers w/The System vs Leon Slater

Myers grabs the quick Headlock into the Shoulder Tackle and welcome back to 1997 wrestling starts. Myers got cocky, shot Leon into the ropes and eats a Shoulder Tackle from Leon, so a little showboating from Leon gets under Myers skin and causes him to make a few missteps. Leon hits the Feint Mule Kick into the Handspring Back Elbow for 2, but when he tries to continue, Myers pulls him down into the buckles. Myers looks for a Spear, Leon Leap Frogs and Myers eats turnbuckle. He powders, the System shields him from a dive, and we’re starting to see the numbers game come into play.

A Thrust Kick from Myers rocks Leon as he’s coming back in, Strong Irish Whip into a Gator Roll and then Sleeper Hold. Again, offense brought to you by Bill Clinton. Leon gets away from the Sleeper, tries to hit the ropes and Myers does his Baseball Slide Trip. Slow heel moves from Myers, Sleeper, Facelocks, Back Elbows…just slow classic heel offense. Leon tries to fire, eats a Knee Lift. Irish Whip but Leon counters by hoping the ropes to the apron, quick pop shot and then Springboard Crossbody into a series of Lariats and a Shotgun Kick! Leon has the momentum, Blue Thunder Bomb for two! Leon goes to the top, Myers is up, Leon rolls to the other side to avoid Myers, Myers eats a Leg Lariat from Leon and Myers pushes off, Bicycle Kick, Thrust Kick into Implant DDT for only two! Myers looks to Spear, gets rolled up in a Small Package, Kick out, dumped outside, Leon flies over the corner onto Myers!

System surrounds Leon, tries to get a few shots, but Leon has some quick offense for everyone. In the chaos, Lish puts a Ring on Myers’ hand so a Loaded Punch into Roster Cut and Myers wins!

Laredo Kid vs Mustafa Ali

Slow start with Ali being arrogant into a Lucha stalemate section where there’s Satellite counters, Headscissors and a powder to break the nonsense. Corner counters, Overhand Chops from both, they tussle on the top rope, Ali backflips off the ropes, Laredo tries a Crossbody but Mustafa hits a Dropkick. Grounded Abdominal Stretch from Ali, Laredo tries to fight up and out, but Ali slams him back down, talks smack, slaps him and then eats a Michinoku Driver out of nowhere! But only a two count! Ali manages to pull Laredo into the corner pads, tries a dirty pin with feet on the ropes but the referee sees it, Laredo tries a Roll-Up in the disarray, Ali kicks out, they run back and forth, Ali just slides out thinking he’s outsmarted Laredo but Laredo hits the Suicida for a solid pop. Ali pokes the eye and grabs at the mask, Laredo is off kilter, Ali baits Laredo through the corner, hits the Draping DDT off the apron, slides Laredo back in and 450 for the win.

Eric Young & Josh Alexander vs Sinner & Saint

Jabroni duo comes out, and they look stupid, their music is generic Hot Topic trash and the one with hair walks like he’s pretending to be a Delirious fused with a Dinosaur. They look so insanely pathetic.

Dino-nerd tries a stand switch and suplex but Josh no sells and looks like the older sibling judging the little sibling’s stupidity. Bald jabroni tags in, does nothing, blind tag just for Josh to single handedly lay both out. Of course they’re trying to establish the loser squad, so the eventually have a good defensive moment that catches Josh and isolates him in their corner. He still mostly takes care of both of them. This is honestly pathetic.

Locomotion counter switches in the corner before a Shotgun Kick wipes out Josh, Dino-nerd tries a Lio Rush style splash but misses, Josh tags out, EY looks to tee off but he turns and lays out Josh. EY turns heel…that was not on my Bingo Card, but I’m not mad about it. EY has the maniacal look in his eyes again, so Sanity or Violence by Design could be back? Can he call the group SAnitY since they’re working with WWE now?

Ace Austin vs Wes Lee w/Tyson & Tyriek

Things start slow then a few quick strike spots from Ace. A grounded Heel Kick and Enzuigiri rocks Wes, Wes slingshots back in, Sunset, Ace dodges tries to stay crouched to get cute but Up Kick from Wes kicks Ace in the face. Wes crotches Ace on the top rope, Enzuigiri, Suicida leaves Ace laying on the ramp. Wes hits the Street Fighter combo in with Ace shoved in the corner, the crowd chants “Boring” so Wes revels in the negativity and mockingly does the Rascalz taunt. A few quick shots and Ace kicks out at one and holds the ropes as Wes just lights him up with kicks. Ace asks for more, and goes full Strong Style. A few round kicks to the chest before Wes decides to do the hell thing and a Spinning Thrust Kick to the side of the face. Wes puts Ace in a Key Lock and Ace struggles to his feet before barely slipping the lock.

They trade strikes, Triangle Kick misses for Ace but he manages to connect after with a strike, a few more, Click Click Boom, Seated Miz Lariats in the corner, Wes falls out of the corner, Triangle Kick for the near fall, but the offense isn’t over and Ace hits the Gutwrench Sitout Powerbomb! Ace looks for The Fold, Tyson and Tyriek make their presence felt, Ace does the apron dance and kicks them both in the face. Wes gets dumped out of the ring, Ace with a Fosbury Flop (not the best one he’s done), Tyriek picks the ankle long enough to slow down Ace as Ace walks into the Cardiac Kick!

Wes and crew attacks Ace after the match, so The Rascalz make the save. We’re obviously going to get a 6 man soon, and this is perfectly fine.

Kaiba Boys (Nic & Ryan Nemeth) vs Fir$t Cla$$

AJ starts with Ryan and just shoves him away and demands Nic, Nic gets the best of AJ but AJ tags in KC and KC gets in a few quick shots, some cute counters and showboating before eating a Dropkick from Nic. AJ comes in to try and take out Nic, the Kaibas take out AJ and then dump KC into AJ’s arms and hold the ring going to commercial.

During the commercial a little blind tag and Spiderman in the ropes taunt from KC caught Ryan off guard so First Class is in control. AJ is beating the hell out of Ryan in the ropes, then hits Tennessee Whiskey for the “Money Money Money” taunt. KC tags himself in and starts slapping Ryan around, Dropkick into 305 as KC cuts off Ryan from Nic, throws Ryan in the corner, Rolling Uppercuts, Snapmare, Roll through, Chest Stomp into a near fall. KC tags in AJ and a little tandem offense gives them another near fall but Mokuba refuses to lose…so far. AJ steps on Ryan’s chest and then lays in a few Overhand Chops. AJ slowing things down, looks for a power move but Ryan slips it into a Sleeper Attempt but AJ counters and slams Ryan down for another two count. Two Sidewalk Slams after getting bounced out of the corner, but Ryan keeps kicking out.

AJ takes Nic off the apron, looks for another Sidewalk Slam but Ryan turns it into a Satellite DDT. Simultaneous tag time, KC eats the fire from Nic, two Lariats, Stinger Splash, Rude Awakening, 10 Count Shots to the Heart for…AJ breaks it up! AJ looks for a Down Payment but Nic slips, Superkick, Ryan tries to rock AJ to no avail so they both Lariat AJ out and Avalanche Polish Hammer from Ryan lays out AJ. KC tries the Flash Pinfall but Nic rolls out, a few quick shouts, Spinning Heel Kick from KC for a 2 count. Nic hits a FAMEasser into Danger Zone after Ryan’s blind tag so Ryan gets the cover as Nic just laughs and takes it in.

Overall Score: 6.25/10

Nothing to really be offended by. Some of the stuff was a little low stakes or obvious filler, but stories moved forward with Cora, Wes and the Kaibas. Plus you know, Eric Young turning on Josh is a little unexpected. EY has been the fill in Dreamer/Scott with the “Ra-Ra” speeches and feel good crap for significant shows, so having him go back to Maniac is a nice twist.

Tessa also steering into this “Locker Room bully” persona is smart. It’s not a stretch from what people already think, so steering into the skid is very smart. I may not have been blown away by anything in this episode, but it was definitely decent and did a solid enough job showcasing the partnership and not making the TNA talent feel like an after thought.

All in all, very nice.